Game played on 12/03/2024.
Logan McCutcheon (D, R, 5’9″, 160, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 01/19/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Logan is a defenseman with an impressive resume, having recorded 125 points across 257 career WHL games. He is an intelligent defender whose speed and edgework make him a standout on both sides of the puck. The best play Logan made in this game came on the defensive side. As the off-side defender, he tracked back, intercepted a centering pass, and quickly spun to fire a tape-to-tape pass up ice to a teammate. He also gapped up well on the rush and wasn’t afraid to get into opponents’ hands to make defensive stops. Offensively, Logan’s quick feet and edgework allowed him to activate into the play with the puck. He consistently cut into open space and made accurate passes to teammates. At the offensive blue line, he stepped up to keep plays alive, walked the line effectively with his head up, and demonstrated poise under pressure. Despite his smaller stature, Logan showcased strength by handling the puck through contact. Any NCAA program willing to look past Logan’s lack of size would gain a skilled, mobile two-way defender capable of making an immediate impact.
Brayden Edwards (RW, R, 6’0″, 186, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 12/23/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Brayden entered this season after recording 70 points in 66 games last year for the Hurricanes. In this game, he kept the points coming, recording three assists and bringing his season total to 34 points in just 22 games. On one of his assists, Brayden made a tough cross-ice pass through a seam that hit Wormald on the tape for a goal. Brayden’s passing was a standout in this game, as he consistently connected with teammates through difficult passing lanes. On one rush, he deked through traffic, pulled up along the side wall, and delivered a tough backhanded pass to a trailer for a shot on goal. We frequently noted his ability to make smart, accurate passes in tight spaces, and he seemed to thrive in high-traffic situations. That said, Brayden can continue to work on his straight-line speed. While he excelled in tight areas, he was occasionally less effective when the game became more free-flowing. As it stands, Brayden is likely to garner significant attention from NCAA programs due to his skill and ability in tight spaces, while also being highly coveted by pro teams.
Hayden Pakkala (C, R, 6’1″, 200, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 01/28/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Hayden recorded a goal in this game for the Hurricanes. On this play, he went hard to the net and put home a rebound while being hit and falling. He may not be the most skilled forward, but he was fearless, consistently playing a physical game and putting his body on the line to help his team succeed. Hayden epitomized the saying, ‘Good things happen when you go to the net,’ as he consistently drove to the net with his stick on the ice, willing to take any abuse to try to score. He showcased quick edges with the puck on his stick, cutting to space before making smart passes. Despite not being an overly quick skater in open ice, he did a great job of carrying the puck through contact and was strong in tight. As it stands, Hayden would succeed at an NCAA program that gives him bottom-six minutes, as his gritty style of play would be best suited to this type of role.
Rilen Kovacevic (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Moose Jaw Warriors, 08/02/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Rilen is a former WHL Champion, having won the title with the Warriors last season. In 20 playoff games, he recorded an impressive 15 points, providing secondary scoring for the champs. In this game, Rilen scored a rare 3-on-5 shorthanded goal, winning a faceoff in the defensive end, exploding past the opposing defenders, and beating the goaltender with a quick release high on the blocker side. Rilen’s speed is a standout trait, as he was consistently able to win races to loose pucks, forcing defenders to respect his speed. We noted that his gritty style of play is better suited to the bottom-six, as he consistently won puck battles along the wall and in the defensive end. On another penalty kill, he pressured the defender who had the puck at the line, forced a turnover, and cleared the zone. He consistently knocked pucks away with his stick, beat his opponent to the puck, and started the play the other way. On the offensive side of the puck, Rilen was used on the power play, where his speed and edgework enabled him to consistently enter the offensive zone under control. He also succeeded with the puck in tight areas and made smart passes to open teammates. As it stands, Rilen is a player with standout speed and a history of winning. We believe he would be an asset to any NCAA team, but is a player who could help a major program compete for a National Championship as a bottom-six forward due to his gritty two-way game.
Keaton Dowhaniuk (D, L, 6’0″, 172, Moose Jaw Warriors, 02/08/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Keaton joined the Warriors recently after spending 11 games with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL. He is a defensive defender who plays a lunch pale style of game, that is effective though not flashy. Keaton was very physical, able to step up defending the rush to force turnovers with a well-timed hit. He also was physical down low in the zone, able to overpower forecheckers to force turnovers. At the net front, Keaton did a good job of tying up opponents to limit tips and rebound chances against. On the offensive side of the puck, Keaton did his part, as he was able to rush the puck up ice at times. He also made smart passes, notably a cross-ice pass while on the power play that caught our eyes. As it stands, Keaton is a good defensive defenseman who would succeed at a NCAA program that was able to use him in a shutdown role.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
